Hi Carol,
How do we handle it if we ask a member to speak (as opposed to getting an outside speaker to come in)? Do we give them a gift card of a set amount?
And if we do, how do we decide who to give money to and who do we not? And how do we justify that the Leadership Team works year after year without any gift card?
Deciding who receives an appreciation gift and the amount can be tricky. You’ll set a precedent with the first speaker.
I recommend a small token gift such as a $5-$10 gift card to every member speaker and for invited guest speakers a larger amount. For example, I just spoke to a group where I was fed lunch and given a coffee mug. Other times I have been given $25-$35 gift cards.
Your board could thank a couple who leaves the board. When I stepped down from being treasurer of my co-op, I was given a $75 gift card to a day spa! It was totally unexpected and appreciated! 🙂 My board made that decision, probably via email, without my knowledge.
Having a budget should help you manage how much you can afford to spend on appreciation gifts and other expenses.
Do you have a copy of my book Money Management in a Homeschool Organization?
It might be helpful to you.
I hope that helps,
Carol Topp, CPA